5 Most Important Safety Tips for Baby Toys

One thing that never stops for any parent is that, no matter what, you will always worry about the safety of your children. Even seasoned mums with 5 kids are still constantly concerned about what might happen if… That ‘what if’ is sometimes a heart stopping thought and as we can’t control everything accidents do happen.

When it comes to toys hower we can – in fact we must – control what toys and which enivornement we let our children play with them. Some toys are great for toddlers, but not suitable for babys. Below are what I believe to be the 5 most important things to look out for before you buy baby toys.

1. No small parts 
Of course this is a very well known fact, but it scares me to think how many babys still get rushed to hospital after swallowing parts of toys. As a general rule make sure that the smaller your child is the bigger the toy should be. Anything smaller than a golf ball is a hazard. When there are various parts to a toy make sure all parts are firmly attached to each other and can’t come off easily. Usually first time mums are very good spoting the small parts and toy manufacturers (at least the good ones) specify it also. But what happens when you have your second baby? How do you control the environement now. Do you let your toddler only play with baby toys? Of course not – there are tons of great toys for toddlers that aren’t a risk for your newborn. See a range here. One very effective way I have used is to separate the toys that are problematic into another box. Your older one can use these as her/his ’special’ toys that can only be played with when the sibling is asleep or with grandma for example. Sometimes this is also a very useful tool to make your older one feel special, when they feel that all the attention falls on the new family member and not themselves anymore. Try it out it works fabolous.

2. No strings attached – my 20/2 rule
Any strings, cords, cables or similar should be removed from toys and make sure you don’t tie teethers or dummies around baby’s necks. I would make sure that strings, cords, etc. are no longer than 20cm and thicker than 2cm. The length obviously is important ti minimise the risk of babys strangling themselves and if strings are thinner than 2cm they can pose a cutting risk. And while we are on the topic of strings I recommend to get down and dirty every now and again and crawl through your place. This is the view baby’s have and you will be amazed what you can spot. Any cables, curtain strings, rubber bands, etc. that can be reached by your baby should be taken out of reach – especially in areas where baby’s are elevated like cots, change tables or high chairs. 
 
3. Non-toxic paints
Make sure that all paints and glazes are non-toxic. See a list of non-toxic wodden toys I recommend here. It also helps to clean toys regularely for piece of mind. We know that your baby puts everything in the mouth. And of course make sure that you don’t use toxic cleaning products either.

4. Let’s get electric
Generally I don’t really like battery or even worse mains operated toys/appliances for babys due to a number of reason. Firstly batteries tend to leak and we know baby’s like to suck on things. Have you ever tasted acid? Not very tasty and can be very harmful for your baby. Secondly Baby’s could all start a ‘hire-a-huby’ business. Yes they can be handier than your partner. Their inquisitive minds won’t stop just because a casing is not properly secured. Thirdly mains operated toys or appliances come with cords, which can be a strangulation risk as previously mentioned. If you really can’t get around using things like baby monitors or night lamps, than please make sure that the cables are secured and out if reach. It pays to check on that frequently as older siblings tend to be fascinated with those too. Before you know it cables are in the open again. So call me old fashioned but I still prefer a good quality wooden toy, or a cute touch and feel book over the more modern battery operated, talking pony!  

5. Keep an eye on them
Let me remind you that there are obviously lots more hazards around the house, playgrounds, super market, etc. we haven’t mentioned in this list. And even if you follow the above points thoroughly, there will still be that one time, when all of a sudden your baby has climbed on top of the TV cabinet and is fascinated playing with the roller blind string. So you can’t get away from it and will still need to watch your baby. But after all isn’t that the best part about being a parent. Seeing your child grow and develop in front of your eyes?